BMW 7 Series vs Maserati Ghibli
Verdict
The BMW 7 Series costs RM139,000 more, but it is the bigger and quicker limousine here: 5,391 mm long with a 3,215 mm wheelbase, 525 litres of boot space and 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. Its plug-in hybrid side also gives 87 km of EV range and 22 g/km CO2. The Maserati Ghibli is cheaper at RM538,800, has a stronger 330 hp/500 Nm V6 on paper and a higher 263 km/h top speed, but it is smaller, rear-driven and less lavishly specified for rear occupants.
Pick the BMW 7 Series if you want the larger rear-seat car, quicker 0-100 km/h time, plug-in hybrid running and more driver-assistance kit.
Pick the Maserati Ghibli if you want the lower purchase price, rear-wheel drive, a twin-turbo V6 and the higher listed top speed.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 7 Series RM677,800; Maserati Ghibli RM538,800
- 0-100 km/h: BMW 7 Series 4.9 seconds; Maserati Ghibli 5.6 seconds
- Top speed: BMW 7 Series 250 km/h; Maserati Ghibli 263 km/h
- Wheelbase: BMW 7 Series 3,215 mm; Maserati Ghibli 2,998 mm
- Boot space: BMW 7 Series 525 litres; Maserati Ghibli 500 litres
- CO2: BMW 7 Series 22 g/km; Maserati Ghibli 223 g/km
7 Series
- 87 km EV range from its 18.7 kWh lithium-ion battery
- Longer 3,215 mm wheelbase and power-adjustable rear seats
- Surround View camera, navigation, head-up display and adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go
- Costs RM139,000 more
- Lower listed top speed at 250 km/h versus 263 km/h
- No spare tyre versus the Maserati's full-size spare
Ghibli
- RM538,800 price is RM139,000 lower
- 330 hp and 500 Nm twin-turbo V6 outputs are higher than the BMW petrol engine's 308 hp and 450 Nm
- Higher 263 km/h listed top speed
- Slower to 100 km/h at 5.6 seconds versus 4.9 seconds
- No EV range and much higher CO2 at 223 g/km versus 22 g/km
- Shorter wheelbase and smaller boot: 2,998 mm and 500 litres versus 3,215 mm and 525 litres
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 677,800 | RM 538,800✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Luxury | Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | — | 24-valve DOHC twin turbocharged V6, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 2,998 cc | 2,979 cc |
| Horsepower | 308 hp | 330 hp✓ |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 500 Nm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | V |
| Timing Type | Chain | — |
| Fuel | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | Petrol |
| Bore | 82 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | 9.7 |
| Motor Horsepower | 194 hp✓ | — |
| Motor Torque | 280 Nm✓ | — |
| Battery Type | Lithium-Ion | — |
| Battery Capacity | 18.7 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 87 km✓ | — |
| Charger Type (AC) | Type 2 | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 7.4 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Automatic | Auto-Adaptive Transmission |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | ZF |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.9 seconds✓ | 5.6 seconds |
| Rated Economy | — | 9.6 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | 263 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | 22 g/km✓ | 223 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,391 mm | 4,971 mm |
| Width | 1,950 mm | 1,945 mm |
| Height | 1,544 mm | 1,461 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,215 mm | 2,998 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,810 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 70 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 525 litres✓ | 500 litres |
| Front Tyre | — | 235/50R18 |
| Rear Tyre | — | 235/50R18 |
| Spare Tyre | No | Full size |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Italy (CBU) |
| Chassis | — | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double wishbone with stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar |
| Front Wheels | 20" M aerodynamic style 907 alloys | 18" Alfieri |
| Rear Wheels | 20" M aerodynamic style 907 alloys | 18" Alfieri |
| Front Brakes | — | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | — | Ventilated Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Adaptive Air Suspension | Mechanical LSD |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 Airbags (2 Front, 2 Side, 2 Curtain, 1 Driver's Knee) | Front and Passenger, Side, and Curtain Airbags |
| ABS/EBD | — | ✓ |
| Stability Control | — | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | — | Three-point seat belts for all five seats |
| ISOFIX | — | Available on two outer rear seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | Bi-Xenon |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function and Bolster Adjustment | 8-way with adjustable lumbar, driver and passenger |
| Rear Seats | Power Adjustable Rear Seats with Power Adjustments | Fold-down centre armrest, three rear headrests |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Air vents only |
| Sunroof | Sky Lounge Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof | Front, Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | — | 12V front and 12V cargo area power outlet |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (15 Colours) | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 4 | Two Front, Two Rear |
| Sun Shade | 2x side sunshades, 1x rear sunshade | — |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Live Cockpit Professional system | 8.4 inch Maserati Touch Control, 280W audio system with 8 speakers, CD/DVD/MP3/USB support |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | 4 | All Four Windows, Driver Auto Up and Down with Jam-Protection |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Entry + Remote Control Activation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation with Contactless Opening | Remote boot release |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Power Door | Yes | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | — |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited✓ | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 3 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years✓ | — |
| Warranty Notes | — | Free Service at 20,000km, 40,000km, 60,000km |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 2,125 | RM 2,078✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
7 Series vs Ghibli FAQ
Is the BMW 7 Series or Maserati Ghibli better?
The BMW 7 Series is the stronger all-round luxury sedan on paper, with more space, quicker acceleration, plug-in hybrid running, lower CO2 and more listed tech. The Maserati Ghibli answers with price, V6 character and a higher top speed.
What is the price difference?
The BMW 7 Series is priced at RM677,800, while the Maserati Ghibli is RM538,800. That makes the BMW RM139,000 more expensive.
Which car is quicker?
The BMW 7 Series is quicker from 0-100 km/h at 4.9 seconds, compared with 5.6 seconds for the Maserati Ghibli. The Maserati has the higher top speed, at 263 km/h versus 250 km/h.